A quick glance at Eurostat’s latest unemployment figures makes one appreciate the achievements made by the present administration in job creation.

The EU Employment and Social situation quarterly review published last January expressed rising concerns across Europe as EU employment levels are down again and unemployment is steadily increasing compared to spring last year, with no signs of improvement in the labour market. At 10.8 per cent, unemployment in the eurozone is at a record high since statistics were first collected in 1999, while in the EU27 it is 10.3 per cent.

The Eurostat figures published a few days ago show that employment is down by 0.2 per cent. Translated into actual figures, there are 222.9 million people employed in the EU27, 146.130m of whom are in the 17 countries of the eurozone. Eurostat estimates that in April 2012 there were 24.667m unemployed in the EU27, of whom 17.4m are in the eurozone.

The situation regarding youth unemployment is no brighter, as 21.6 per cent of young people are looking for jobs in the eurozone and 22.7 per cent in the EU27. It should be emphasised that more than half the young people eligible for work in Spain and Greece are unemployed.

Successful employment figures

On the other hand, Eurostat highlights the success in the employment figures of Malta which, in the last three years, has seen a growth in the employment rate of two per cent, which is second only to Germany’s 2.2 per cent.

When you note that 20,000 new jobs have been created in Malta over the last four years, there is every reason for us to be very proud of our achievements in this vital sector.

Those 20,000 people are earning money, supporting families and paying taxes to maintain progress in the standard of living and the social solidarity net.

This is certainly no mean feat but 20,000 new jobs does not mean we are complacent. The latest figures published by the National Statistics Office earlier this week show that during the first quarter there was 1.9 per cent increase over last year’s figures. Malta is fifth in the EU27 list of countries the lowest unemployed figures and fourth as far as youth unemployment is concerned.

Continuously seeking job generation

The government seeks to generate employment in more ways than one. Entrepreneurs do not employ people out of charity. They invest in people when they are confident of a healthy environment that encourages steady returns. New jobs are brought about because of sound investment, be it local or foreign.

The government is continually investing in a number of important sectors such as financial services – which provides top jobs opportunities for qualified personnel and currently employs 7,115 people – and in industries connected with sciences and physics. A clear example is investment in biotechnology. The BioMalta Campus in San Gwann is estimated to have cost €30m. Lately, €4m worth of equipment for research in genetics was invested in the University as part of the development strategy that is complementing that of the country.

Another example is the Life Science Park that was previously occupied by the Institute of Healthcare at St Luke’s Hospital. This is an innovative project with an investment of €20m that is aimed at providing a knowledge-based and higher value-added economy. It will include laboratories, offices, conference facilities and everything needed in a competitive world where only the best is good enough.

Tourism remains our major industry, but we must not ignore the contribution that is made by the small and medium-sized enterprises or the relatively new industries such as the servicing and repair of aircraft, which are prospering. Sport and physical activity can also contribute significantly to both economic growth and employment creation.

A clear example is the public-private fitness centre which was opened next to the Kirkop Complex a few days ago. It is relevant to point out that there are some 50 fitness centres in Malta and Gozo, employing the equivalent of 150 full-time staff. It is also important to note that, since 2008, 115 MCAST students have gained a diploma in sport. They become extremely useful in promoting our mission statement to attract more participants, as we present a modernised approach to sports culture. These ideas could be further emphasised with the introduction of sports tourism, which added 140,000 bed nights and the opening of the National School of Sport this September.

Investing in education to invest in employment

A very important reason for this success is our investment in education. A new state-of-the-art school is built every year and 73 per cent of our students are continuing their studies after completing secondary education. We are proud of helping 18,700 students with stipends totalling €23million and the ETC is also providing courses in better skills for better jobs.

Creativity and innovation are never overlooked but constantly encouraged.

It should also be pointed out that while 20,000 new jobs have been created, in the same period 20,000 young people have graduated.

The official ETC figures published this month show that a record high of 149,952 people are gainfully occupied. This is indeed a huge success, but it has not come about with empty guarantees and promises but rather with a vision and relentless work to achieve it.

Clyde Puli is the Parliamentary Secretary for Youth and Sport